An
experimental investigation of the function of filled pauses in speech

Mansur G. Lallgee and Mark Cook

Abstract

Filled pauses have been described as a
product of anxiety, and have also been explained as attempts by the speaker to maintain
control of the 'floor'. The latter hypothesis is tested directly, by altering the
pressure on the subject to continue speaking. Possible confounding effects of
anxiety are controlled for. Filled pauses do not increase, as pressure to continue
speaking increases. It is suggested that the 'control' hypothesis may apply only to
monologues; evidence concerning the relative frequency of filled pauses in monologues and
dialogues is presented.

Lallgee, M. & M.
Cook1969 An experimental investigation of the function of
filled pauses in speech. In Language and Speech 12: 24-29.